Qutub Minar (also known as Qutb Minar and Qutab Minar) is a tall minaret located in the Qutab complex and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated in southern Delhi, it is one of the most popular and visited attractions in the city.
(One of the entrances)
The photo below was taken at dusk, highlighting some of the details of the minaret, including one of its balconies. It was used as last weekend’s One Clue Mystery photo and was recognized by ProfessorAbe, Bob Cranwell (The Amateur Emigrant), George G, and Lorne Berman. Congratulations to all!
(One Clue Mystery Photo)
(Dusk at Qutub Minar)
Qutub Minar is an impressive tapering tower which was constructed during the early years of Muslim rule in India. Its lower level was built in 12th century, the second through fourth levels were added in 13th century, and the top level was finished in 14th century. This tower reaches a height of 72.5 meters (238 feet). It is 47 feet wide at the base and 9 feet at the top.
The lower three stories are built of red sandstone, the fourth of marble, and the fifth contains both sandstone and marble. Each story is topped by a balcony. The Minar’s inscriptions are in Arabic, most quoting the Koran.
As recently as 1974 people were allowed to climb to the top of Qutub Minar on a narrow staircase within the minaret. In 1981 there were more than 300 tourists inside when an electricity failure led to complete darkness inside. The panic this created caused a stampede killing almost four dozen people. Since this tragedy, there have been no entries permitted into the tower.
(Quwwat-ul-Islam is the oldest mosque in this region of India)
At the foot of the monument, you can find a mosque, Quwwat-ul-Islam. This is the first mosque that was built in this region of the country. The eastern gate of the mosque holds an inscription stating that the construction material used for building the mosque comes from demolition of several Brahman temples.
There are other significant features to the complex which are beyond the scope of this blog, including a number of graves and tombs, and a madrasa. The graves marked the beginning of the tradition of constructing royal tombs, a practice which continued for centuries and left the country with some of its finest monuments.
Beyond the many monuments, the site is a great place to people watch. Most people visiting are residents of India, and as is usually the case, most are dressed in colorful garb.
There are some gardens around the monuments as well, and you will be treated to the noise of flocks of parrots when you visit. I love their chatter!
